She got to meet Sheryl Crow, Ashley Judd, and many other television, music, sports, and movie personalities. She performed interviews for newspapers and television and she was a natural in front of the camera. Jude's outreach program, Ryan became a celebrity. Like many parents of sick children, they doubled down on finding fun things to do and ways to show Ryan the world. Between reports of good days and bad, new trials and treatments, I saw the evidence of Jeff and Dorie's dedication to Ryan. This time, the doctors talked about experimental trials and new procedures. Eight weeks passed before imaging showed spots on her lungs and liver. This time it was in her lungs, so there were more surgeries and drugs and tubes and unpleasantness, but, after it all, she was again deemed cancer-free. Unfortunately, later that year, the cancer returned. But when I first asked about his family, I was unprepared for the story that followed. I can't remember a single time I've spoken to him when he didn't ask how I was and how my family was doing – it makes me really enjoy being around him. Jeff is unique because not only is he very outgoing, but, above all else, he is interested in you. He was not only our coach, but he also began giving my son lessons and took him from an unsure skater to a kid with lots of confidence, who was scoring goals by the end of the season. I knew right then that I had found someone special. It was almost intimidating until Jeff broke into a huge smile, slapped me on the shoulder and treated me like an old friend. His name was Jeff Christian and he towered over me when I shook his hand, mine disappeared in his. So, when practice was over, I moved to introduce myself. I knew most of the coaches, but not this guy. He gave him some pointers and the falling down became less frequent. But he didn't give up and, as more experienced players flew by him, I made a mental note to get him some extra lessons.Īs I did, one of the coaches came over and skated along with my son. Skating can be a tough skill to pick up, harder still when burdened with helmet, pads and a stick. In the fall of 2011, when my son began playing hockey, I sat outside the boards during practice and watched as he fell down over and over.
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